Coronavirus pandemic: Delhi govt forms teams to crack down hoarders of masks, sanitizers

As the national capital runs short of protective masks and hand sanitizers, the Delhi government has formed teams to take action against suppliers who are overcharging for masks and sanitizers and those hoarding these items at a time when Coronavirus crisis is deepening, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said on Saturday. The Minister also emphasized that not all people need to wear N95 masks.

"N95 masks should only be used by healthcare workers or those who are displaying symptoms, not healthy people. We have also constituted teams to take action against hoarding and overcharging for masks and sanitizers," Satyendra Jain told ANI.

READ | As Positive Coronavirus Cases Rise To 6 In Delhi, Citizens Share Their Troubles

He added that the Delhi government has already issued an advisory to citizens regarding precautionary measures against Coronavirus. A total of 518 isolation beds have been set up in 25 hospitals.

Due to an increase in prices of N95 masks, several drug stores across the city have stopped selling these masks.

A pharmacist in Connaught Place told news agency ANI: "We have stopped selling N95 masks as the wholesale suppliers are selling it to us at high prices. But if we ask customers to pay the increased price, they fight with us thinking that it's we who are increasing the prices."

READ | India's 2nd Coronavirus Death Reported In Delhi; 68-yr-old Victim's Son Tests Positive Too

Coronavirus declared 'Epidemic' in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, March 12, chaired a meeting with all the Delhi Government officials to discuss the effective measures to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. While addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that the Delhi Government is all prepared to tackle the situation. 

Declaring Coronavirus as an epidemic, CM Kejriwal also announced shutting all the theatres and schools/colleges till March 31.

READ | 773 People Who Came In Contact With Coronavirus Patient In Delhi Traced: Police

"We are declaring Coronavirus as an epidemic in Delhi. All cinema halls to remain shut in Delhi till March 31. Schools and colleges where exams are not being held will also remain closed. We are also making it compulsory for public places like government offices and private offices to disinfect their premises every day," Kejriwal said. 

The total number of positive COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 84 with two fatalities reported as of Friday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. 

READ | IIT Delhi Suspends Academic, Co-curricular Activities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak